Montclair Man Honored As Unsung Hero in International BRAVE Awards

From the Shire BRAVE Awards

While many aging parents are being cared for by their adult children, 72-year old Bill Dent has turned the tables, embracing the care of his adult son Darren with a smile on his face.

Darren, who was diagnosed at age 41 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, requires round-the-clock care every day.   

Dent’s loving wife Parry, a retired registered nurse, taught him the skills he needs to help Darren manage his ALS.

Along with medical attention, love and support, Dent strives to give Darren a dose of wit, believing that laughter can be the best medicine.

“Every day, I make him smile,” Dent said. “It’s important to enjoy one another all the time.”

For his determination and selflessness, Dent was one of 15 caregivers from around the world honored in the Second Annual Shire BRAVE Awards, an international program that honors the courage and devotion of non-professional caregivers.

Launched by Shire in 2011, the BRAVE Awards are the only initiative of its kind and are designed to celebrate the amazing commitment of unsung everyday heroes — caregivers — who provide consistent and dedicated care for others. 

“Our BRAVE Award winners represent the invisible army of millions of family caregivers,” said Angus Russell, Shire Chief Executive Officer. “Their consistent care of others is an enormously generous way to live their life. We are privileged to recognize these individuals who overcome unimaginable obstacles and work tirelessly to give their loved ones as normal and healthy a life as possible.”

Shire received more than 550 nominations for the 2012 BRAVE Awards from 10 countries over the 15-week nomination period.

Nominations were ranked based on the qualities that define Shire’s own BRAVE culture: respect, courage, dedication, impact and patience. Shire’s 5,200 global employees helped to select the Recipients and Distinguished Honorees from the pool of eligible finalists.

Each of the 10 recipients of a 2012 BRAVE Award receives $10,000, and the five Distinguished Honorees each receive $2,500. 

The Shire BRAVE Awards are presented in the spirit of Shire’s BRAVE culture, which fosters an environment that encourages its employees and partners to act with integrity; create innovative solutions that make a difference; act on the needs of others; strive to be better every day; and to exemplify trust and openness through teamwork. Nominations for the 2013 Shire BRAVE Awards are expected to be open on or about March 15, 2013.  

For further information on Shire, please visit the company’s website: www.shire.com.

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